Modular Roof Mounted Staging Bracket

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for supporting workers and materials above-grade on both the eave and gable ends of a structure is disclosed. The apparatus can be combined with one or more additional staging apparatuses to create a staging system for the support of persons or materials while work is being done on a structure, e.g., roofing, siding, etc. The modular design of the apparatus simplifies installation, such that it can be readily attached to a roof or other support member of a structure by a single person, and facilitates the adjustable vertical positioning of people or materials along the walls of the structure. The staging bracket can be attached to any structural roofing member, including most any type of existing roofing material, e.g., shingle, standing seam, corrugated, etc., on new or existing roofs of any pitch and can be attached along either the eave or gable ends of the structure.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. Application No. 61/849,865, filed Jan. 23, 2013,and titled Safety Staging Bracket and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication 61/850,027, filed Feb. 6, 2011 and titled Safety StagingBracket, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to devices used in theconstruction industry for supporting persons or materials above ground.In particular, the present invention is directed to a Modular RoofMounted Staging Bracket that can be used with additional modular roommounted staging brackets to form a modular roof mounted staging system.

BACKGROUND

Scaffolding is usually a temporary structure used to support people,materials, work surfaces, etc., well above ground level so as tofacilitate the construction or repair of buildings (roofing, siding,painting, etc.). Traditional scaffolding is a system of metal pipes ortubes, wood, etc., that are joined together to form a structure based atground level that has a height sufficient to allow workers to access thenecessary work zone, e.g., roof, eaves, sidewalls, etc.

Yet, traditional scaffolding presents several problems: 1) to providethe appropriate structural strength, scaffolding is typically quiteheavy and cumbersome; 2) in some instances a special rigger licensingmay be required for installation and use of scaffolding; 3) it can hetime consuming to set up and take down scaffolding supports; and 4) thesurface where the scaffolding is to be placed can he uneven, soft, orotherwise present issues to providing a safe scaffolding structure.

What is needed is a staging bracket that readily supports workers,tools, and materials, at a desired distance above ground-level. Thescaffolding system should be portable, readily set up and removed, andadjustable to allow workers full access to the roof and sides of thestructure including both eave and gable ends of the structure.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In a first exemplary aspect, a staging bracket for attachment to an eaveand/or a gable end of a roof of a structure comprises a supportstructure having an inner rail, an outer rail, and a support platform,wherein the inner rail and the outer rail are coupled to the supportplatform and are disposed a substantially parallel relationship to eachother; a wall engagement member coupled to a lower portion of the innerrail; and a roof engagement member releasably coupled to an upperportion of the inner rail, wherein the roof engagement member isextendably releasably coupleable with the roof.

In another exemplary aspect, a scaffolding system capable of attachingto an eave and gable end of a structure comprises a first scaffoldingdevice having a first support structure, a first wall engagement member,and a first roof engagement member, wherein portions of the firstsupport structure, the first wall engagement member, and the first roofengagement member are longitudinally adjustable; a second scaffoldingdevice having a second support structure, a second wall engagementmember, and a second roof engagement member, wherein portions of thesecond support structure, the second wall engagement member, and thesecond roof engagement member are longitudinally adjustable; and aplatform, wherein when the first scaffolding device and the secondscaffolding device are coupled to the roof the platform rests on thefirst support structure and the second support structure.

In yet another exemplary aspect, a method of removing a scaffoldingdevice from a roof comprises uncoupling a first portion from thescaffolding device; uncoupling a second portion from the scaffoldingdevice; and moving a third portion of the scaffolding device in anupward direction consistent with the slope of the roof so as to releasethe fasteners connecting the third portion to the roof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show aspectsof one or more embodiments of the invention, wherein like elements inthe drawings are represented by like numbers. However, it should beunderstood that the present invention is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a staging bracket according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a staging bracket according to anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a staging bracket according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of multiple staging brackets used to formseveral staging systems according to yet another embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a roof attachment according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of another roof attachment according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a staging bracket according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pair of staging brackets combined toform a staging system according to another embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a method of removing a staging bracketaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

A staging bracket according to the present disclosure is a safe,adaptable, and easily deployed apparatus that may be combined with oneor more staging brackets to create a staging system for the support ofpersons or materials while work is being done on a structure, e.g.,roofing, siding, etc. The staging bracket has a modular design thatsimplifies installation, such that it can be readily attached to a roofor other support member of a structure by a single person, andfacilitates the adjustable vertical positioning of people or materialsalong the walls of the structure. The staging bracket can be attached toany structural roofing member, including most any type of existingroofing material, e.g., shingle, standing seam, corrugated, etc., on newor existing roofs of any pitch and can be attached along either the eaveor gable ends of the structure.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 shows an exemplary staging bracket100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. At a highlevel, staging bracket 100 includes a support platform 104, a wallengagement member 108, and a roof engagement member 112. These threecomponents serve to provide a support surface for persons and/ormaterials when staging bracket 100 is in use, stabilize the stagingbracket against the structure, and to attach staging bracket 100 to astructural member on the structure.

Support platform 104 provides a safe, supportive surface for peopleand/or materials when staging bracket 100 is installed aboveground-level and when used with additional ones of the staging brackets.In an exemplary embodiment, support platform 104 includes a support deck116, an outer rail 120, and an inner rail 124. Support deck 116 isgenerally sized and configured to support a portion of one or moreplanks (not shown in FIG. 1), on which persons or materials would restwhen staging bracket 100 is in use. As shown in FIG. 1, support deck 116is generally rectangular in shape having multiple support members 122,which provide support and stability for workers standing upon a plank.The length of support members 122 (122A-B) being generally sufficient toallow a plank to rest proximate the support members. In an alternativeembodiment, support deck 116 may only have a single support member 122(not shown) extending between outer rail 120 and inner rail 124.

Outer rail 120 and inner rail 124 are coupled to opposing sides 128,e.g., sides 128A-B, of support deck 116, with the outer rail and innerrail being substantially orthogonal to the support deck. Outer rail 120is generally sized and configured to reduce the possibility that aperson would fall from the elevated position of the staging by providingsupport for one or more brace members (FIG. 4) that reside above theplank. The overall longitudinal length of outer rail 120 may beadjustable by, for example, providing nested tubular structures (notshown) that can be adjusted in increments of for example, 1 inch.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, outer rail 120 includes a pluralityof brace holders 132. Brace holders 132 are sized and configured toreceive brace members (shown in FIG. 4). For example, the brace memberscould be 2×4 boards and brace holders 132 could be sized and configuredto support the 2×4 boards. Securing of the brace members to braceholders 132 can be accomplished by methods known in the art such aspress fit or otherwise nailed or fastened through apertures, such asapertures 136, provided in the brace holders. The number, design, andconfiguration of brace holders 132 may vary according to safetyrequirements of the jurisdiction of use or the needs of the crew usingstaging bracket 100. For example, alternative brace holders 132 areshown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

In an exemplary embodiment, outer rail 120 also includes a shelf bracket140. Shelf bracket 140 is sized and dimensioned to support an portion ofa shelf (shown in FIG. 4). Shelf bracket 140 can include one or moreshelf flanges 144 that assist in securing a shelf in position. Incertain embodiments shelf bracket 140 can be integral with outer rail120, or, and as shown in FIG. 1, can include a shelf adjuster 148 thatis configured to mate with the outer rail 120 so as to allow for heightadjustment of the shelf bracket. In an exemplary embodiment, shelfadjuster 148 is a tubular structure designed to nest within outer rail120. In this embodiment, a plurality of apertures are provided inincrements along the longitudinal axis of shelf adjuster 148 and atleast one aperture is included with outer rail 120. A pin or bolt can beused to couple shelf adjuster 148 to outer rail 120 when theirrespective apertures align.

Inner rail 124 serves to connect support platform 104 to wall engagementmember 108. In an exemplary embodiment, inner rail 124 extendsorthogonally away from support deck 116 and is releasably coupled towall engagement member 108 via a first receiver 152 and is releasablycoupled to roof engagement member 112 via a second receiver 156. In thisembodiment, first receiver 152 and second receiver 156 each includeapertures for securing the components of staging bracket 100 togetherusing pins or other connectors known in the art. Inner rail 124 can alsoinclude one or more brace holders 132 as needed or desired.

Wall engagement member 108 positions staging bracket 100 a suitabledistance from the edge of the structure the staging bracket in anappropriate position for receiving people and or materials. In anexemplary embodiment, wall engagement member 108 includes an extendablewall tube 158 that has on its distal end a bumper 160. Wall tube 158 issized and configured to slidably engage with first receiver 152 and tobe connected thereto, such as by pins or other connectors throughapertures in the wall tube and the first receiver. Bumper 160 restsagainst the structure when staging bracket 100 is installed. Bumper 160can include a covering 164, such as a rubber membrane, that preventsmarring or other types of deformation of the structure. Wall engagementmember 108, via wall tube 158, can be adjusted (extended or retracted)so as to properly position stating bracket 100 and/or to avoid soffitsor gutters if necessary. As shown in FIG. 1, wall engagement member 108has a partially nested tubular construction that facilitates lengtheningor shortening the wall engagement member in fixed increments, althoughother types of construction facilitate extension or retraction may beused. A pin (not shown) inserted into corresponding apertures in walltube 158 and first receiver 152 may be used to fix the length of wallengagement member 108.

Roof engagement member 112 is coupled to outer rail 124 via secondreceiver 156 and is extendable, both horizontally and vertically, so asto facilitate attachment to various roof configurations and pitches. Inan exemplary embodiment, roof engagement member 112 is composed of aplurality of at least partially nestable tubular structures that allowfor expansion or retraction of the roof engagement member in thehorizontal and vertical directions (relative to the ground wheninstalled) at fixed intervals, e.g., 1 inch. For example, and as shownin FIG. 1, roof engagement member 112 may include a tubular structure168 that allows for extension or retraction in the vertical direction,Additional tubular structures 168, such as 168A-B (shown in FIG. 2) or168C (shown in FIG. 4), may be included to further extend. the verticalrange of use of staging bracket 100. Tubular structure 168 may beconnected to additional tubular structures or outer rail 120 using pins,spring-snaps, or other connectors known in the art.

In an alternative embodiment, roof engagement member 112 extends orretracts by rotating one portion of the roof engagement member relativeto another portion of the roof engagement member (not shown). In anotheralternative embodiment, one or more additional portions of roofengagement member 112 may be coupled together using connectors or othercoupling mechanisms known in the art (not shown).

Roof engagement member 112 includes a removable coupling 172. Removablecoupling 172 facilitates secure, yet adjustable, attachment to thestructure. As shown in FIG. 1, coupling 172 is a shingle coupling 174that has an articulable flange 176 with a plurality of apertures 178 forreceiving a corresponding respective number of fasteners (not shown).Articulable flange 176 can be rotated using a hinge, such as hinge 180,or can rotatable using other mechanisms known in the art. Other forms ofcoupling 172 configured for other roof structure members, e.g.,different roofing materials, are discussed further below with referenceto FIGS. 5A-5B.

Roof engagement member 112 may also include a cleat holder 184, whichreceives a cleat (shown in FIG. 4) that supports crew members whenworking further up the roof line of the structure.

In an exemplary embodiment, support platform 104, wall engagement member108, and roof engagement member 112 are largely made from aluminumsquare tubing so that staging bracket 100 is light and durable, althoughother materials, such as square steel, or rounded tubing could be used.

FIG. 2 shows another exemplary embodiment of a staging bracket accordingto the present disclosure, staging bracket 200. While in many wayssimilar to staging bracket 100, staging bracket 200 includes a supportplatform 204, the configuration of which provides for variable widthplanks for supporting workers, while accommodating the need for stagingbracket to be mountable around a soffit and/or gutter extending from theroof. In increased surface area for a plank is accomplished by providinga bump out 208, which undercuts a roof extension area 212. Bump out 208is formed between a wall engagement member receiver 216 and a supportdeck 220.

Staging bracket 200 also includes an alternative embodiment of roofengagement member 112, roof engagement member 224. Roof engagementmember 224 has a plurality of at least partially nestable tubularstructures 168, tubular structures 168A-B, that allow for expansion orretraction of the roof engagement member in the vertical directionthereby allowing for staging bracket 200 to be placed at desiredvertical positions along the structure to facilitate work such aspainting or siding of the sides of the structure.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of another exemplary embodiment of astaging bracket, staging bracket 300, Staging bracket 300 includes asupport platform 304, a wall engagement member 308, and a roofengagement member 312. Support platform 304 includes a support surface316, outer rail 320, and inner rail 324. Support surface 316 is dividedinto one or more portions, e.g., 316A-B, so as to facilitate theplacement of a plank during installation of a staging system, such asstaging system 400A (FIG. 4). The size and dimensions of portion 316Ashould be such that it would support the plank while portion 316B isbrought up for assembly with portion 316A.

Outer rail 320 is coupled to portion 316B and can include one or morebrace holders 328 that can support brace members. As shown in FIG. 3,brace holders 328 are configured to provide for multiple, side-by-side,brace members for additional safety. Inner rail 324 is coupled toportion 316A and receives wall engagement member 308 via first receiver330.

As with roof engagement members 112 and 224, roof engagement member 312includes multiple tubular structures 168 that can be used to extend orretract the vertical (relative to ground-level) range of the roofengagement member. Roof engagement member 312 may also include astabilizing bar 332 proximate a distal end of removable coupling 172.Stabilizing bar 332 provides support for staging bracket 300 and dampensswaying of the staging bracket when in use. Stabilizing bar 332 includesa coupling mechanism 336 that allows for attachment to the structure. Asshown in FIG. 3, coupling mechanism 336 is an articulable coupling witha plurality of apertures for receiving fasteners. Alternative couplingmechanisms 336 may be employed depending up on the type of surfacestaging bracket 300 is being mounted on. Roof engagement member 312 isalso sized and configured to accommodate the simultaneous positions ofextension 340, which is discussed in more detail just below.

Staging bracket 300 can also include an extension 340. When roofing astructure, as workers come close to coupling mechanism 336 and/orcoupling 172, they may skip an area where the coupling mechanism orcoupling attaches to the roof and then return on a ladder to completethe roofing after the staging bracket has been removed. In order toavoid this inefficiency, extension 340 provides an alternativeattachment point on the roof so that workers can apply roofing materialsat the location where coupling 172 and/or coupling mechanism 336 wereattached to the roof without having to remove staging bracket 300. Asshown, extension 340 includes an articulable extension coupling 348 anda jack 352. The configuration of extension 340 is such that articulableextension coupling 348 attaches to the roof at a point below theroofline from coupling 172. In use, extension 340 is attached to innerrail 324 proximate first receiver 330 at attachment point 356 using pinsor other connectors known in the art and then coupled to the roof usingextension coupling 348. Jack 352 is then adjusted (e.g., extended) so asto relieve downward pressure on roof engagement member 312. In anexemplary embodiment, jack 352 is a screw jack, which, when operated,lowers or raises a jack support 360 using a rotator 364. Coupling 172 isthen decoupled from the roof as a large portion of the downward pressurehas been relieved by extension 340. Once coupling 172 is removed,workers can apply roofing materials to the former location of coupling172 and/or coupling mechanism 336 and then reattach coupling 172 and/orcoupling mechanism 336 to the roof (and possibly changing the type ofcoupling mechanism if necessary to accommodate the newly installedroofing material).

Turning now to FIG. 4, there is shown multiple exemplary stagingbrackets that are a part of multiple staging systems 400, e.g., stagingsystems 400A-B, attached to a structure 404. As mentioned previously,one of the many advantages of staging brackets according to the presentdisclosure are their adaptability, which is on display in FIG. 4. Asshown, staging system 400A includes a pair of staging brackets 200 (FIG.2), i.e., staging brackets 200 A-B, (although more could be used) thatare each mounted to a roof 408 of structure 404. In this application,each staging bracket 200 includes a different coupling 172 becausestaging bracket 200A (closest to front of the page) needs to mount to aflat surface, such as plywood, and staging bracket 200B needs to mountto a standing seam roof. Coupling 172 for staging bracket 200B issimilar in configuration to that described with FIG. 1, whereas coupling172 for staging bracket 200B is similar in configuration to that shownin FIG. 5B.

Staging system 400B also includes a pair of staging brackets 200, i.e.,staging brackets 200C-D, (although more could be used) that are mountedto a gable end 412 of structure 404, thus exemplifying one of the manybenefits of the staging brackets as disclosed herein. Staging system400B allows persons and/or materials to travel vertically along gableend 412 using additional tubular structures 168.

As discussed previously, each of the staging brackets discussed hereincan include one or more brace holders, such as brace holder 132 (FIG. 1)for supporting braces. Examples of such implementations are shown inFIG. 4. For example, staging system 400A includes one brace member 416A,while staging system 400B includes a pair of parallel brace members416B-C, Additional or alternative position of brace members is possible.Each staging system 400 also includes a plank 420 suitable for carryingworkers and/or materials. Staging system 400A also includes twoadditional work shelves, a rear shelf 424 and a roof cleat 428 that matewith shelf brackets, such as shelf bracket 140, and cleat holders, suchas cleat holder 184 (FIG. 1).

Turning now to exemplary embodiments of coupling 172, there is shown onFIG. 5A a coupling 500 suitable for use with a roof having corrugatedroofing. Coupling 500 has a roof member 504 rotatably coupled to aconnecting member 508. Roof member 504 sized and configured to bemountable on the corrugated roofing. In an exemplary embodiment, roofmember 504 includes a channel 512 that has a height, H, and a width, W,sufficient to be positioned over a ridge in the corrugated. roofingmaterial. On each side of channel 512 is a flange 516 that include aplurality of apertures for affixing roof member 504 to the roof.Apertures are including both in channel 512 and flanges 516 so as toaccommodate different roofing styles (roofers have differing techniquesfor securing corrugated roofing to the roof of a structure).

In an exemplary embodiment, roof member 504 is coupled to connectingmember 508 using a hinge 520. Hinge 520 facilitates the rotation of roofmember 504 relative to connecting member 508, whereby when a stagingbracket, such as staging bracket 100, is being deployed, coupling 500can be mounted to the roof and the remainder of the staging bracket canbe adjusted so as to provide a suitable working surface. In this way,coupling 500 serves to adapt any of the aforementioned staging bracketsto roofs having different pitches.

Connecting member 508 is configured to mate with the remainder of roofengagement member 112. As shown, connecting member 508 is a designed tonest within a portion of roof engagement member 112 and the apertures inconnecting member 508 are configures so as to mate with correspondingapertures in roof engagement member. Thus, coupling 500 can be joined toroof engagement member using pins or other mechanisms known in the art.Advantageously, coupling 500 (or other couplings discussed herein) canbe mounted to the roof first and then the remainder of the stagingbracket brought up and connected to the coupling, thereby easingassembly on the roof.

FIG. 5B shows another exemplary coupling, coupling 600. Coupling 600 issuitable for use with a roof having standing seam style metal roofing.Coupling 500 has a roof member 604 rotatably coupled to a connectingmember 608. Roof member 604 is sized and configured to be mountable onthe standing seam roofing, In an exemplary embodiment, roof member 604includes an internal channel 612 that has a height, H, and a width, W,sufficient to be positioned over the flange protruding where adjacentpieces of the metal roofing material meet. Roof member 604 also includesan outer channel 614 sized and configured to substantially encaseinternal channel 612.

The width, W, of internal channel 612 is alterable so as to securecoupling 600 to the protruding flange. In an exemplary embodiment,channel 612 is expanded by a torsion spring or similar device locatedbetween internal channel 612 and outer channel 614. In an alternativeembodiment channel 612 is formed by a hinge, such as a piano hinge, thatis rotatable within outer chanenel 614. The width of channel 612 isreducible by using one or more clamps, set-screws (such as set-screws618), or similar devices that press against one or more sidewalls ofinternal channel 612, compressing it against the flange protruding fromthe metal roof and keeping coupling 600 secured in place.

In an exemplary embodiment, roof member 604 is coupled to connectingmember 608 using a hinge 620. Hinge 620 facilitates the rotation of roofmember 604 relative to connecting member 608, whereby when a stagingbracket, such as staging bracket 100, is being deployed, coupling 600can be mounted to the roof and the remainder of the staging bracket canbe adjusted so as to provide a suitable working surface. In this way,coupling 600 serves to adapt any of the aforementioned staging bracketsto roofs having different pitches.

Connecting member 608 is configured to mate with the remainder of roofengagement member 112 (e.g., FIG. 1). As shown, connecting member 608 isa designed to nest within a portion of roof engagement member 112 andthe apertures in connecting member 608 are configures so as to mate withcorresponding apertures in roof engagement member. Thus, coupling 600can be joined to roof engagement member using pins or other mechanismsknown in the art. Advantageously, coupling 600 (or other couplingsdiscussed herein) can be mounted to the roof first and then theremainder of the staging bracket brought up and connected to thecoupling, thereby easing assembly on the roof.

FIG. 6 shows yet another embodiment of a staging bracket, stagingbracket 700. Staging bracket 700 is similar to staging bracket 300 shownin FIG. 3, but with a few significant differences. For example, stagingbracket 700 includes a truss support 704 that is releasably coupled to asupport platform 708 (which is similar in design and structure tosupport platform 304) and does not include roof engagement member 312(although it could be added as an additional roof support). Trusssupport 704 is sized and configured to hook overtop of a sidewall of thestructure (best seen in FIG. 7), and when installed as a staging system(as seen in FIG. 7), it allows persons to work on structures that do nothave a roof or only have rafters.

Staging bracket 700 also includes an end rail support 712 that couplesto outer rail 716 (which is similar in design and structure to outerrail 320). To accommodate the addition of end rail support 712, outerrail 716 includes a pair of coupling members 720, e.g., 720A-B, that aresized and configured to receive ends of the end rail support. As shownin FIG. 7, end rail supports 712 sized and configured to prevent personsfrom falling off the sides of staging system.

When staging bracket 700 is combined with one or more staging brackets,such as staging brackets 700A and 700B, a staging system, as shown inFIG. 7, is created and is suitable for supporting persons and/ormaterials. As shown, the staging system allows person to work along theedge of a structure when roofing materials have not be affixed to thestructure's rafters.

Turning now to FIG. 8, there is shown a method 800 of removing a stagingbracket from a shingled roof. At step 804, a first portion of thestaging bracket is removed by uncoupling it from the remainder of thestaging bracket. In an exemplary embodiment, the first portion is anouter rail.

At step 808, a plank is removed, if applicable, from the supportplatform of the staging bracket.

At step 812, a second portion of the staging bracket is removed byuncoupling it from the portion of the staging bracket affixed to theroof. In an exemplary embodiment, the second portion is the inner railand wall engagement member.

At step 816, a third portion of the staging bracket is removed by movingthe portion in upward direction following the pitch of the roof. In anexemplary embodiment, the third portion is the roof engagement member.

Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed above and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the artthat various changes, omissions and additions may be made to that whichis specifically disclosed herein without departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A staging bracket for attachment to an eaveand/or a gable end of a roof of a structure comprising: a supportstructure having an inner rail, an outer rail, and a support platform,wherein said inner rail and said outer rail are coupled to said supportplatform and are disposed a substantially parallel relationship to eachother; a wall engagement member coupled to a lower portion of said innerrail; and a roof engagement member releasably coupled to an upperportion of said inner rail, wherein said roof engagement member isextendably releasably coupleable with the roof.
 2. A scaffolding deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein said roof engagement member includes aninterchangeable coupling for releasable attachment to the roof.
 3. Ascaffolding device according to claim 2, wherein said interchangeablecoupling is configured to releasably attach to a metal roof.
 4. Ascaffolding device according to claim 2, wherein said interchangeablecoupling is configured to releasably attach to a shingled roof.
 5. Ascaffolding device according to claim 2, wherein said interchangeablecoupling is articulable.
 6. A scaffolding system according to claim 2,wherein said interchangeable coupling is a coupling designed andconfigured to attach to a standing seem roof.
 7. A scaffolding deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein said inner rail, said wall engagementmember, and said roof engagement member are longitudinally expansible.8. A scaffolding system capable of attaching to an eave and gable end ofa structure comprising: a first scaffolding device having a firstsupport structure, a first wall engagement member, and a first roofengagement member, wherein portions of said first support structure,said first wall engagement member, and said first roof engagement memberare longitudinally adjustable; a second scaffolding device having asecond support structure, a second wall engagement member, and a secondroof engagement member, wherein portions of said second supportstructure, said second wall engagement member, and said second roofengagement member are longitudinally adjustable; and a platform, whereinwhen said first scaffolding device and said second scaffolding deviceare coupled to the roof, said platform rests on said first supportstructure and said second support structure.
 9. A scaffolding systemaccording to claim 8, wherein said first support structure includes afirst inner rail, a first outer rail, and a first platform member, andwherein said second support structure includes a second inner rail, asecond outer rail, and a second platform member, and wherein said firstinner rail and said second inner rail are longitudinally adjustable. 10.A scaffolding system according to claim 9, further including a bracingmember, and wherein said first outer rail has a first receiving bracketand said second outer rail has a second receiving bracket, and whereinwhen said first scaffolding device and said second scaffolding deviceare coupled to the roof said bracing member is supported by said firstreceiving bracket and said second receiving bracket.
 11. A scaffoldingsystem according to claim 9, wherein said first platform member includesat least four sub-members that are configured in a substantiallyrectangular configuration.
 12. A scaffolding system according to claim9, wherein each of said first and second scaffolding devices includes aninterchangeable coupling for releasable attachment to the structure. 13.A scaffolding system according to claim 12, wherein said interchangeablecoupling is a coupling designed and configured to attach to a standingseem roof.
 14. A scaffolding system according to claim 12, wherein saidinterchangeable coupling is a coupling designed and configured to attachto a corrugated roof.
 15. A scaffolding system according to claim 9,wherein said first scaffolding device includes a first interchangeablecoupling for releasable attachment to the structure, and wherein saidsecond scaffolding device includes a second interchangeable coupling forreleasable attachment to the structure, and wherein said firstinterchangeable coupling is designed and configured to releasably attachto a different roof type than said second interchangeable coupling. 16.A method of removing a scaffolding device from a roof comprising:uncoupling a first portion from the scaffolding device; uncoupling asecond portion from the scaffolding device; and moving a third portionof the scaffolding device in an upward direction consistent with theslope of the roof so as to release the fasteners connecting the thirdportion to the roof.
 17. A method according to claim 16, wherein thefirst portion is an outer rail of the scaffolding device that includes afirst portion of a support platform of the scaffolding device.
 18. Amethod according to claim 17, wherein the second portion is an innerrail of the scaffolding device that includes a second portion of thesupport platform of the scaffolding device.